Did anyone here replace their tires without an alignment? I was told it is needed only if there is an alignment problem, need your help....

 

Mounting and balancing is all you need with new tires unless there is an alignment problem and you should know if you have an alignment issue. That's all I have ever done.

Any tire place will try to pull the alignment trick on you. It's about a 15 min procedure and they normally charge $75 - $125 for it. Of course they are going to tell you that you should do it. It's pure profit margin for them in most cases.

 

Thanks, 05Gsedan, that is what I thought someone said that to me before, so I guess my wheel vibration (enough to feel it) is due to something else, maybe Michellin pilot A/S tires feel the ground better and the wheel is being little sensitive from the tires? what do you think? Please advise,

 

Replaced all 4 at dealer (with tirerack.com tires delivered & installed). He did not push alignment, nor even suggest I get one. I go by old tire wear pattern. Even tire wear means you don't really need alignment.

 

If the tires are brand new and just on, give them a week or 2 before making any decisions. New tires sometimes ride a little different. When do you feel the vibration? (ie.. all the time, applying brakes, high speeds, etc) This will help us better diagnose the cause of your vibrations... I'm not familiar with the Michellin Pilot A/S so I'm not sure if that could be it.

Jim makes a good point here.... Ing35, Can you describe the wear you had on your previous tires?

 

Thanks Jim and 05, I think I don't need an alignment since my old tire wear was not obviously out of balance, going back to the vibration, it happens when I cruise at 65 thru 80, got 2/3 speed tickets last 2 years, did not dare to push it too hard anymore, it doesn't vibrate when I brake, only happens when I am cruising, is the wheel supposed to vibrate a little or not? I can not remember anymore....

 

I would suggest getting an alignment when you get new tires just to ensure that you're gonna get the most outta your tires. After you get the alignment atleast check it ever 6,000 miles to ensure it stays good. Depending on where you live Firestone service centers offer a lifetime alignment for only $140. You can get as many alignments/alignment checks as you want for as long as you own your car. For instance, you could go once a month if you were really **** about it but i would suggest finding a legit shop that does lifetime alignments that you know isnt gonna shut down any time soon due to no business. Trust me its worth it.

 

Wheel shaking at speed means a balancing problem, not alignment. Alignment probs usually has the car pulling to one side or the other.

 

Alignments.... Hmm I recall getting one at like 7500 years ago just because it was recommended. There was no uneven tire wear, but there was plenty after they did it!!! Leave it alone unless you notice eneven tire wear, squealing around turns, or the car pulling to one side.

I usually do an alignment when getting a new set of tires on the car. That used to mean like every 40,000 miles. With the Els who knows.. But at 14,000 they still look good.

 

+1

If you lower your G, then you should get an alignment, otherwise you should be fine.

 

Doesn't the G35 require a 4-wheel alignment?

 

most cars have 4 wheel alignment.

 

But isn't that only with IRS?

 

Exactly.... ING... you may consider going back to who put the tires on and get them to check the balancing. They should take care of it for you.

 

05, guess what, I went to the place where my tires were mounted to double check if the tires were balanced, they told me the right side 2 tires were out, and they redid it, but those weights seem to come off pretty easy, are they supposed to adhesive on the rims or is there any other option, thank in advance for any info....It did vibrate for a bit and stop, on and off or maybe the bumps on freeway, hard to tell when I tested just after dinner earlier, will find out more when I get to drive more, take care